Chapter 884 - 852: The Hundred Thousand Mountains, Ancient Ruins
The gazes of the other people at this moment also fell upon the elder in the green robe, scrutinizing him closely.
The head of the Dubhe Institute, what level of existence could he be? Could it be this seemingly unremarkable, ordinary-looking old man before them?
Moreover, they did not feel any fluctuation of cultivation aura from him.
This was why, even when they had seen him earlier, they only took a casual glance, assuming he was merely a mortal with no cultivation.
"Hmm, no need for formalities."
Director Zhang Tianqun of the Dubhe Institute slightly nodded, his gaze sweeping over Lu Ping and the others, stopping his steps, and with a slight smile, said, "Everyone, welcome to the Dubhe Institute."
Seeing Zhang Tianqun’s warm greeting, Yang Zhenning and others’ expressions tightened, and they responded hastily.
"Greetings, senior."
Lu Ping’s gaze fell upon Zhang Tianqun, feeling that no matter how ordinary his appearance or bearing seemed, he wasn’t a simple figure, giving him the impression that a True Dragon aura was lurking within him, rather extraordinary.
"You all are the Daoist friends aiding our institute in combating the Outer Realm Demons, aren’t you? Very good, your noble intentions assure the future of Lingxi State Cultivation Realm."
Zhang Tianqun’s praise brought a light smile to the faces of everyone present.
The atmosphere appeared relaxed and pleasant, without any tension due to his status as the director of the Dubhe Institute.
After greeting everyone and asking a few simple questions, everyone was preparing to head to the Resources Hall, Zhang Tianqun nodded slightly and then his gaze fell on Lu Ping.
"You must be Lu Ping, Lu Daoist, correct?"
"Yes, it’s me."
Lu Ping responded with a brief reply.
"Lu Daoist, are you also heading to the Resources Hall?"
Zhang Tianqun asked.
Lu Ping said blandly, "I could go, or not go."
He came here merely because he received the Dubhe Institute’s invitation.
Whether or not he went to the Resources Hall was just incidental and not very important.
"Then, could we have a word in private, Lu Daoist?"
Zhang Tianqun asked, showing a more serious expression.
The Dubhe Institute wouldn’t have invited him over for no reason. Seeing Zhang Tianqun’s reaction now further confirmed Lu Ping’s suspicion.
He would know their purpose once they talked.
"Please."
Lu Ping responded.
Following this, Lu Yuanshan and others continued following Celestial Wind Daoist towards the direction of the Resources Hall.
Lu Ping, meanwhile, went with Zhang Tianqun to the conference hall.
Once inside the conference hall, there was already a white-robed elder sitting quietly. Upon seeing Lu Ping and Zhang Tianqun arrive, this elder smiled gently, giving off a friendly, spring breeze-like feeling.
"This is the Supreme Elder of our institute, Xu Dezhi. He will also participate in the discussion of matters here today."
Zhang Tianqun introduced briefly.
Indeed, there was something to discuss, Lu Ping nodded and greeted, responding subtly.
Next, Zhang Tianqun brought out some spirit fruits and spirit tea to entertain Lu Ping.
It’s undeniable that as the foremost power in Lingxi State, the Dubhe Institute’s foundation is indeed rich.
Just the spirit fruits they brought out, those spiritual peaches reached the Tier Four Middle Grade level. It’s said that consuming even one bite could increase the cultivation of Foundation Establishment Cultivators, instantly raising several small realms, and even Golden Core Cultivators could enhance their cultivation by consuming them.
In Cyan Mountain Sect, the spiritual peaches only reached Tier Two, sufficient for Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment disciples to enhance their cultivation. They were not sold externally but were for sect’s internal use only.
These are just the Tier Four Spirit Medicine; in addition, there are Tier Four Spiritual Pears, grapes, and other spirit fruits, all with high tiers.
When Lu Ping saw these high-tier spirit fruits, under Zhang Tianqun’s passionate hospitality, he tasted a few. He couldn’t help but think of taking several back for Lu Yuanshan and others to try.
However, this thought was fleeting, not enough to actually take these spirit fruits back.
As for the spirit tea, it’s also the Tier Four Lower Grade Orchid Tea, containing rich water element essence. A sip could enhance the Divine Sense, which is an excellent treasure.
After exchanging a few polite words, tasting the spirit fruits, and sipping some spirit tea, Zhang Tianqun began discussing the main matter.
"Lu Daoist, are you aware of the Hundred Thousand Mountains in the westernmost part of Lingxi State?"
Zhang Tianqun asked.
The Hundred Thousand Mountains, located in Lingxi State’s westernmost region, bordering Haiyun State to the west, is an extensive terrain filled with myriad primitive forests, one after another, with innumerable mountain ranges.
Although not having truly one hundred thousand mountains, it definitely stood as the place with the densest gathering of mountains in Lingxi State and is their most expansive area.
Its forest and wilderness coverage are far beyond the Southern Wilderness.
The reason the Hundred Thousand Mountains are renowned across the world, known by numerous cultivators and forces, is not solely due to its vast mountainous terrain.
More so because of the mysterious and bizarre Witchcraft and Gu Techniques hidden within, along with various Grotto Heaven Blessed Lands and extraordinary beasts inside.
Opportunities and dangers coexist there. Many cultivators venture into this land seeking fortunes.
Some acquired chances and treasures there and achieved the position of Golden Core Ancestor, while others were lost within, forfeiting their lives and becoming the feed of exotic beasts.
In conclusion, the worldly evaluation of the Hundred Thousand Mountains varies, not solely explored by Lingxi State Cultivators; Haiyun State cultivators also journey there.
Did Zhang Tianqun mention the Hundred Thousand Mountains because a treasure or opportunity was found there?
Thinking this, Lu Ping refrained from questioning and nodded, indicating awareness of the existence of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
"The level of danger within the Hundred Thousand Mountains is such that even Nascent Soul Cultivators like us dare not recklessly delve deep into exploration."
"Inviting you here today, Lu Daoist, besides hosting you at our institute, has another purpose."
Zhang Tianqun chuckled, seeing Lu Ping’s attentive demeanor, turned to Xu Dezhi, then continued.
"To be honest, recently, we’ve unearthed an Ancient Ruins within the Hundred Thousand Mountains, dating back over sixty thousand years, a history long lost and unable to be verified..."
As Zhang Tianqun started detailing the discovery process of this Ancient Ruins, Lu Ping began listening quietly, showing interest upon hearing that numerous Magical Treasures and Spiritual Objects were uncovered within.
Typically, when a force discovers such relic resources, they would mine and exploit it discreetly, using the resources as much as possible for themselves, without disclosing it outwardly, keeping strict confidentiality.
This has become a consensus within the Cultivation Realm, even if Cyan Mountain Sect uncovered a Ruins or Cave Mansion, they would first exploit it themselves, without informing other forces.
This is how everyone operates.
